When I lived in Texas, I stayed in a small apartment (originally built as servant's quarter on a plantation) that was part of a large complex with a day lily nursery. The spring and summer was beauiful with 5-10,000 blooms each day.
Brenhem, Texas
One of my favorite areas in Texas was around Brenhem, home of Blue Bell Ice Cream. My favorite time to visit was during the spring when the Blue Bonnets were in season.
Alaska
While living in Texas, I took a summer to live and work in Alaska. I worked at a radio station out in the Bush where the majority of the listening audience did not have phone service. It was a great experience in the land of the midnight sun.